Surname Steynesby - Meaning and Origin

Steynesby: What does the surname Steynesby mean?

The surname Steynesby is of English origin and is believed to be a habitational name, derived from a place such as Stainesby, which is locates in the county of Leicestershire. It is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages when people began to adopt a hereditary surname, derived from the name of their homeland or a nearby hamlet or village. The name is derived from the old English words 'stain' meaning stone, and 'by' meaning settlement, thus leading to the translation of 'Stainesby' as 'the stone settlement'.

The Steynesby family first established itself in Leicestershire and can be traced back to a Sir Simon de Styenesby, who was granted lands and estates around the 12th century. The family held the lands for centuries and acquired considerable influence and wealth.

In later years, the Steynesby family expanded outward from Leicestershire and made further impacts on society. They established major businesses in the textile industry and other industries, while some family members went on to become noted politicians, professionals, and clergymen.

Today, the Steynesby name is still found in many areas of the United Kingdom, being used both as a surname and as a place name. It is a testament to the longevity and impact made by the family and serves as a reminder of the power that a place name can have.

Steynesby: Where does the name Steynesby come from?

The last name Steynesby is most commonly found in England today. It is derived from an Old Norse first name which originates from the Old English ‘steini’ meaning 'stone', suggesting that the surname probably originated from a local landmark.

Steynesby is most concentrated in the County of Durham in the North East of England. Specifically, the area of Greatham and Hart, both located just west of the city of Durham. There is evidence of the last name Steynesby having been recorded there since at least the 17th century, with additional records of the name occurring all over County Durham.

The surname also appears to be associated with members of the gentry, with a notable line of Steynesbys in Northumberland that originated in the early 16th century. Records suggest that the family were of Norman descent and held an array of public offices, including Deputies of the Sheriff of County Durham and other positions in the regional court systems.

Today, the Steynesby surname is not particularly widespread, and is most likely to be found in County Durham and nearby areas. Occasionally, the name is still associated with gentry, as its prevalence in the achievement records of aristocratic families from the 18th and 19th centuries attests.

Variations of the surname Steynesby

The surname Steynesby is of Norman origin and has been in the English language for many centuries. It is thought to be derived from the French town of Saintes by the Meuse river. Historically, the surname Steynesby has been seen spelled in several variations, including Steynsby, Steynesbie, Steynesyby, Steynesbey, Steynsbie, Steynesby, Steensby, Steinseby, and Steinsby.

Variants of the surname Steynesby are often found in records dating back to the medieval period. These variant spellings often appear to have been created either through misspellings or when the medieval scribes heard dialects other than the standard Norman French and tried to make sense of the different pronunciations. Other spelling variations may have been created from personal or religious choice as well.

Surnames of the same origin with a similar spelling to Steynesby include Stainesby, Steansby, Stinesby, Staynesby, Stonesby, Stainesbie, Stainsby, Stonesbey, Syndrome and Stynesby.

Certain variations of the surname Steynesby can also be found in other languages around the world, often adapted to fit the conventions of the language. These alternative spellings vary from country to country and from language to language, so the exact spelling of the surname Steynesby may also differ across cultures.

In summary, the surname Steynesby, and its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, have been present in the English language since medieval times. Ancient records and modern migrations have contributed to the many variants and spellings of the surname Steynesby that can be found today.

Famous people with the name Steynesby

• Beverley Skeggs: British sociologist
• Thomas Steynsby: British cleric
• Hugh Steynsby: British historian
• Clara Steynsby: British poet
• Alan Steynsby: Actor and director
• Charolotte Bonnie Steynsby: Actress
• Katherine Steynsby: Actress
• Mary Steynsby: Author
• John Steynsby: Bookseller
• Peter Steynsby: Barrister in Middle Temple

Other surnames

Steynes